pocketsize journal/sketchbook swap #3 (Edited)

This swap was originally hosted by barterartistmel but because life is getting in the way at the moment she is letting me host it. :) Thanks to mel for that.

Update July 24, 2013: I'm going to go ahead and edit this swap, because I've had a lot of questions and I just want things to be clear. These swaps work as follows:

If you're new to this swap:

You will buy or make a pocket-sized journal that has at least 20 pages. It can be more than 20 pages but remember the shipping costs, so keep it as thin as possible. You must fill the first two pages of your own journal. Whether you take 1 page front and back, or just the front of 2 pages, is up to you. You can (but don't have to) add some instructions regarding the filling of the pages (do you want it front and back, or front and front?). You can also add a request for something. Or you can ask the swappers to number the pages as they go, and you can add a list or reserve a page where swappers can add their Swap Bot info after they've filled two pages, so you know who's had it when.

Write your name and address (and email address in case you move) on the front or the back, and a note asking to return the journal to this address when it's full.

If you've joined before:

you will forward the journal you got in the last swap to the partner you'll be assigned this swap. Make sure to have 2 pages filled. Unless the journal owner has added some instructions in the journal, stick to the set up of the journal owner. If the owner used 1 page front and back, use 1 page front and back. If the owner used the front of 2 pages, use the front of 2 pages. Make sure to add your swap name to your art, so people know the art is yours. (This is important for rating as well. Read on...)

Ideas to fill your two pages with: art, illustrations, poetry, a short story or something else that's creative.

Official pocket sizes are: 13x20cm or 5x8inch. They can be a little bigger but not much, and they can certainly be smaller.

Rules:

1. You will not ask that the swapper getting your journal return it to you. I accepted that in the last round and ended up with disappointed people that now have no journal to forward and have to start a second of their own to send out. lesson learned. sorry!

2. if you go to the post office and find that it is costing $5+ to mail your journal, reconsider and make a lighter weight and thinner journal. High mailing costs put you at risk of it not getting sent along further and eventually making it back to you.

3. I am allowing plenty of time to make, illustrate and send out your journal. Please allow 4 weeks for it to get to you before messaging your partner to ask about it if you haven't received it, many will be coming from different countries.

4. Ratings! Lots of questions about this one. The original host didn't say anything about this, so I'm implementing a rule that I feel is appropriate. If you receive a journal from someone who didn't fill two pages, you rate a 3. I don't like setting rules for ratings but if you didn't fill two pages you did not meet the swap requirements. Also, if swappers pass on journals without filling 2 pages, the journal will be longer in rotation than is necessary, and the owner will just be waiting for it longer. So make sure to add your Swap Bot info to your art, or if you receive a journal with a list, to add your info there!

Like barterartistmel, I will angel this swap on the following conditions: - it's been 6 weeks - you've contacted your swap partner and tried to work something out - I've spoken to you and your swap partner

Since I am angeling this if necessary, I'm putting the rating on 4.56 and up. The swap can't require a higher rating because people of the former swaps should be able to participate again. I will check profiles and I reserve the right to ban anyone I consider a risk. No recent unexplained 1s or 3s.